Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Retin-A Really Repairs Skin

“Retin-A and Renova(Retin-A for dry skin) are the single best skin care product that has ever been developed.”

In other words, this stuff really works. You might need to use it for a lifetime, but then again, you get a second chance at smooth and wrinkle-free skin.

Retin-A is a prescription medication created from a derivative of vitamin A. The active component is known both as retinoic acid and tretinoin. Retinoic acid speeds up cell turnover and encourages collagen synthesis. In other words, collagen plumps up skin, so your face regains its buoyancy.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons(ASPS), the best candidates are older patients(adults)--- those with fine to medium depth facial wrinkles or blotchy pigmented areas of skin caused by sun damage. Retin-A is not for pregnant or nursing mothers. Research is still not clear if a fetus or nursing infant might be affected by the anti-wrinkle cream.

Retin-A is available in cream, gel, or solution form, as well as a generic version. And it comes in different strengths. For instance, Retin-A cream is available as 0.025%, 0.05%, and the strongest at 0.1%.

Applying Retin-A Carefully

Retin-A actually peels away the outer layers of the skin during the early weeks of use. That means skin is thinner and is very vulnerable to sunburn. Protection from the sun is extremely important to Retin-A users. Sun screen and a good moisturizer are your best bets.

And less is more. If improperly used, Retin-A can cause swelling, redness, burning, peeling and itchiness. Some users have quit because the irritation was unbearable. Most dermatologists advise a slow build-up. Apply the cream only every third night, until your skin ‘can take it.’ A pea-sized amount dotted on the nose, cheeks, forehead and chin, and then rubbed all over the face. Crow’s feet respond nicely to Retin-A, but some skin care experts say that the eye area is too sensitive for the anti-wrinkle cream, and great care must be taken if applying around the eyes.

Results That Are More Than Superficial

Retin-A works at a genetic level. In other words, retinoic acid is able to alter the skin cells’ DNA. It brings about increased blood delivery to the skin. It improves pigmentation and renews collagen. And it lessens the chance of skin cancer by regulating the skin cell cycle.

If you can get through the first few weeks of using the miracle cream with little irritation, then hang in there for all the good stuff to follow. Dermatologists says that after 8 to 12 weeks of use, skin cell turnover increases. Down the road, a few months later, you will enjoy a rosy glow and watch large pores shrink down. Fine lines will begin to soften. And by turning the 6 month mark, wrinkles will be less visible and age spots will fade. Skin tissue tightens and firmness develops.

Whatever you decide to do, visit a dermatologist and do your homework. Science is making incredible advances in skin repair/rejuvenation. Most of us are impatient and really want a cream that will iron out wrinkles and the signs of aging immediately. But it doesn’t work that way. Even incredible beauty products can take incredible amounts of time to slow the clock. The wonderful news is, it can be done. We can fool Mother nature. Gradually.